Asked about the rumours surrounding his future at the club, Boufal reportedly told L’Equipe: “All players have the goal to get as high as possible. My future? We will think about this later.”

He added: “The club made a statement regarding this and there is no problem. It is their right.

“I have no preference for a championship. It will be a project that interests me (but) yes, it's true, there is more chance that I leave Lille.

“It's clear. Because my personal goals are to progress (and) this requires time to play. I do not want to burn my wings (with Lille). For now, I do not exclude any option. I love the club and the city. Here, there is everything to progress. It would not bother me if I stayed. I will take my time to decide well. I'm good at talking with my family.”

Tottenham will be looking to strengthen their squad this summer but manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hard pressed to improve on the players already at his disposal.

Tom Beck

Tom Beck is a freelance football writer from London currently based in Melbourne via Buenos Aires. Previously a BBC Radio reporter, his work has been published in Goal, World Soccer, Bleacher Report and ESPN. Has a penchant for South American football.